Washington Redskins impending free-agent TE Niles Paul figures to draw interest from the Atlanta Falcons once the free agency period begins. Paul is familiar with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme and TE Levine Toilolo hasn't exactly proven himself to be the answer at the position.

Footballguys view: Another salary-cap move by the Falcons here. Blalock started 125 games over eight seasons, and he should attract some interest on the open market. He's a powerful road-grader who was not a good fit for Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman could be the full-time back in new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme next season, according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff. 'My first impression of him is that you can feel the quickness. In our outside-zone-system, I feel like this is tailor-made for a guy who can really explode off the edge,' head coach Dan Quinn said.

Footballguys view: Freeman is a FANTASTIC fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense. He's built low to the ground, and he can change direction instantly without losing much speed. Freeman could perform like a top-20 fantasy RB in 2015 with the lead role.

Footballguys view: A bruised foot in 2014 slowed Douglas down last year, and he played in a career-low 12 games. Douglas finished with 51 catches, 556 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Some teams should be interested in the veteran receiver.

Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent RB Antone Smith is a priority for the team to re-sign this offseason, but the Falcons could add another running back in free agency instead.

Footballguys view: We like the Falcons potentially bringing back Smith. He's been hanging around with the Falcons for some time since coming out of Florida State in 2009 as an undrafted free agent. He had a career-high five touchdowns in 2014 before a broken leg suffered covering a punt ended his season.

Footballguys view: This move has been anticipated for some time. Jackson's not the same player he used to be, and signing him has been a disappointing move for the Falcons. This move will clear $3.75 million in cap space for the team. Jackson still believes that he's got 1,000-yard seasons left in his legs. His recent play says otherwise.

Free-agent TE Bear Pascoe (Falcons) is moving on from the Atlanta Falcons and checking out other options, according to Pascoe's agent.

Footballguys view: Teams in need of a behemoth who can block will be looking at the former Rodeo champion. Pascoe isn't much of a receiver, but he has the size and nastiness to be a dominant blocker. A team like the Broncos could have interest.

Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent RB Justin Forsett is of high interest to the Atlanta Falcons if he reaches free agency.

Footballguys view: Forsett is going to get some interest on the open market after his 1,000-yard season with the Ravens last year. The Falcons added Kyle Shanahan as their offensive coordinator this year. Forsett and Shanahan spent time together in Houston when they were both with the Texans.

Updating previous report, the Atlanta Falcons are expected to pursue New York Jets impending free-agent LB David Harris if he hits the market. Head coach Dan Quinn was the defensive line coach for the Jets during Harris' first two seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent LB Mason Foster is expected to draw interest from the Atlanta Falcons. Assistant head coach Raheem Morris drafted Foster when he was head coach with the Buccaneeers.

Footballguys view: Foster does a good job of finding the ball-carrier as the plays unfold in front of him. He could be a tackling machine for head coach Dan Quinn and the new-look Falcons defense.

Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent SS Dwight Lowery has left all negotiations with the team up to his agent, and the two sides were expected to meet Sunday, Feb. 22.

Footballguys view: Quinn's praise holds a lot of weight around the league. The Falcons new head coach should be able to help this defense play better in 2015. Quinn mentioned how he likes Lowery's versatility, and he had Lowery as a player when he was a coach with the New York Jets.

Free-agent DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants) may be pursued by the Atlanta Falcons if he hits free agency.

Footballguys view: The Falcons need to do anything they possibly can to improve their pass rush in 2015. Adding Pierre-Paul would be part of the answer. Pierre-Paul is talented, but his career has been set back by injuries. He's entering free agency on a high note after compiling 12.5 sacks in 2014.

New York Jets impending free-agent LB David Harris is expected to receive interest from the Atlanta Falcons if he hits the free-agent market, according to a source.

Footballguys view: The Jets might be interested in bringing Harris back if the price is right, but he isn't worth the money on a huge contract. Atlanta is looking to reboot their defense again, and Harris could at least be a solid rotational player for them.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman fits well in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme, according to head coach Dan Quinn. 'My first impression: I can feel the quickness,' Quinn said of Freeman. 'In our outside zone scheme I thought this is tailor-made for a guy who can really explode off the edge. I love this guy's competitive spirit.'

Footballguys view: We are super excited about Freeman's fit in this new scheme. Freeman has the ability to make quick cuts, and he can accelerate in the blink of an eye. He's a back you could likely get in the later rounds of your draft, and Freeman could pay off like a good flex play or low-end RB2 if the role is large enough.

Free-agent CB Byron Maxwell (Seahawks) may have interest from the Atlanta Falcons, according to team sources. Maxwell played under Falcons coach Dan Quinn when Quinn was defensive coordinator in Seattle.

Footballguys view: The Falcons need as much help on defense as humanly possible. Maxwell is looking for a pay day after getting plenty of playing time with the Seahawks.

Free-agent TE Julius Thomas (Broncos) has some likely interest from the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking for an upgrade at the spot this offseason.

Footballguys view: The move would make a ton of sense for the Falcons. Since Tony Gonzalez retired, they have had zero help at the tight end position. Julius Thomas would provide them with an upgrade and fit in nicely with Roddy White and Julio Jones.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones has not had contract talks start yet despite hearing how much the team likes him from owner Arthur Blank and head coach Dan Quinn.

Footballguys view: Jones is entering the final year of his contract in 2015. He has a cap number of $10.1 million this season, and there's no way the team is going to let him go. We could see the two sides begin to talk about extending his deal in the near future.

Atlanta Falcons DE Osi Umenyiora is set to become an unrestricted free agent this March.

Footballguys view: Umenyiora's 2.5 sacks were the lowest of his career since his rookie season (2003) when he finished with a single sack. He's no longer the player he used to be, but there might be a few teams interested in adding Umenyiora as a part-time pass-rusher. We could even see him return to the New York Giants.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman caught new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's eye coming out of college, though Shanahan is still evaluating the offensive personnel in Atlanta.

Footballguys view: An important note for dynasty owners here. Freeman has a running style reminiscent of a young Maurice Jones-Drew, and he could start to see more playing time in 2015. It wouldn't shock us to see the Falcons eventually lean on Freeman as the lead back. Of course, veteran Steven Jackson will have something to say about that.

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said the tempo of the offense will be very fast, but that there won't be a lot of no-huddle implemented.

Footballguys view: This is a good idea for the Falcons. They have a few offensive weapons, now they just need to put their foot on the gas and make the most of that side of the ball. The move to an up-tempo system is good for guys like Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman.

Atlanta Falcons RB Steven Jackson is expected to be on his way out of Atlanta with a new coaching staff and a new zone-blocking running scheme on the way under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. RBs Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers would take over backfield duties if Jackson were to leave, assuming Rodgers is retained.

Footballguys view: We can't imagine Jackson having much left in the tank. The Falcons may decide to move on with younger/quicker/faster options. If they let Jackson go, the Falcons could show interest in a running back during the 2015 NFL draft.

Peter Stein, from the New Jersey Herald, reports that Delaware tight end Nick Boyle is working hard in preparation for the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Boyle is excited to show scouts what he can do. "Through high school, you watch the Combine, and then to finally hear you're going to the Combine, it's exciting. You've really got to embrace it and look to get better at everything you can do, because you're only able to do it once. ... I just want to be at my best and prepared when I go there."

Footballguys view: This is not a good draft class for tight ends. You have two top picks in Maxx Williams (Minnesota) and Clive Walford (Miami), then you have some late-round sleepers. Boyle could pay off with a late-round pick. He was impressive during the week of practice for the Senior Bowl earlier this year. Measuring in at 6'6" 270 pounds, Boyle has the size scouts are looking for. A team like Atlanta should have interest.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones is likely to stick around with the team long term, as new head coach Dan Quinn indicated in his introductory press conference that Jones is an asset he'd like to keep around. Jones is entering the last year of his contract in which he'll make $10.176 million. It will be Quinn's decision as to whether to extend Jones' contract. 'For me, just to have the chance to start the process with him, I can't wait. ... We love great players, and we want to celebrate all the good guys that we have. We're trying to collect more great players, not the other way around,' Quinn said.

Footballguys view: Jones is a rare talent, and so long as he stays healthy Jones will continue to dominate on the field. The Falcons should do everything they can to keep him around.

Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn reached an agreement to become head coach of the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Feb. 2. According to a source, it's a five-year deal.

Footballguys view: This move has been anticipated for quite some time. The Falcons get their man, and Quinn now gets to prove himself as a head coach. He should make an immediate impact on the Falcons horrific defense. They need to add more talent to that side of the ball, and the Falcons will be searching high and low for defenders through the draft and free agency.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones will have contract-extension talks delayed. Incoming head coach Dan Quinn wants to fully assess the team's roster before he starts making personnel decisions. Jones is under contract through next season.

Footballguys view: Jones is in the final year of his rookie contract, and he has a $10.1 million cap number in 2015. That's a bargain price compared to what other elite WRs are getting--or will get this offseason in free agency. After the new head coach analyzes the roster, we should see some movement on this contract extension.

Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is expected to be hired by the Atlanta Falcons for their head coaching position after the Super Bowl. Quinn and new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan planned to be a package deal.

Footballguys view: The Falcons are just playing the waiting game. They will have to wait until after the Super Bowl since Quinn's Seahawks made it through the NFC Championship.

The Atlanta Falcons hired free-agent Kyle Shanahan (Browns) as the offensive coordinator Sunday, Jan. 18, according to a league source.

Footballguys view: Shanahan knows how to craft an offense that features play-action passing and a strong ground game. Dynasty owners should consider this good news for Devonta Freeman. Shanahan and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is expected to take over as head coach, planned to be package deal.

Updating a previous report, former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has lined up an interview for next week with the Atlanta Falcons, according to a source.

Footballguys view: We feel Ryan's most likely destination is with the Falcons. He's a defensive minded coach, and their defense needs a ton of work. We'll see if the two sides can come to an agreement quickly after they meet.